Financing a Green Lifestyle: Savings Opportunities for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

After spending months in your home or apartment, are you eager to tackle home improvement projects to enhance the comfort of your space? You're in good company. According to a recent survey, the COVID-19 pandemic inspired 79 percent of homeowners to consider making renovations to help them enjoy their homes more, with 24 percent wanting to improve lighting. Investing in energy efficiency upgrades is a great way to enhance the environment of your home, reduce your energy costs and help the environment. From financing options to rebates and discounts, Eversource has a variety of tools and resources to help make home improvement projects affordable for everyone.

• Loans and Financing Options

Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) are a federally recognized financing solution that can be applied to most mortgages and offer exclusive benefits to homeowners who make energy efficiency improvements. A key feature of this mortgage is that borrowers who plan to make energy efficiency upgrades can receive a larger loan amount without needing to requalify or provide another down payment. Another perk of financing through EEMs is that unlike paying for the energy efficiency upgrades with a credit card, bank loan, or cash, borrowers can deduct the mortgage payment interest from their taxes.

Homeowners can also fund a project through an FHA Title 1 Home Improvement Loan, which can be combined with Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance, allowing homeowners to finance up to $35,000 for repairs or upgrades to their home, including energy-saving improvements.

In addition to federally recognized financing opportunities, homeowners have a variety of options available at the state level to help achieve a cost-effective, energy-efficient home.

In Connecticut, Eversource offers financing opportunities through Energize Connecticut, including a Smart E-Loan or Smart E-Bundle. Both options provide long-term, low-interest financing for your energy efficiency improvements. Additionally, the Energize CT Heating Loan Program offers funding for up to $15,000 of energy-saving equipment such as boilers, furnaces and electric heat pumps. Connecticut residents can also access the 0% Micro Loan, which allows homeowners three years to repay loans on qualifying improvements ranging from $1,000-$3,000, at 0% interest.

Through Connecticut's Home Energy Solutions^smprogram, homeowners can schedule a visit from Eversource-authorized professionals to conduct important safety tests and install weatherization measures and energy-saving improvements. For a limited time, these services are available at no cost. Eversource is also offering no-cost virtual pre-assessments for those who are more comfortable having the initial assessment done via phone or video. Following the virtual or in-home assessment, you will receive a customized report that outlines further steps to take and the incentives available to make your home even more efficient.

Once you've considered your financing options and received a home energy assessment, you should take a look at what rebates and product-specific discounts you qualify for. These offers can help with the upfront costs of incorporating energy-efficient equipment into your home. Visit the Energize CT website to take advantage of the rebates and incentives that are available for Eversource customers.

Eversource offers a number of rebates for Connecticut residents on qualifying products and systems, including heating/cooling systems, insulation, water heaters, lighting, and appliances. As part of our Home Energy Solutions program, Eversource is currently providing access to 0% financing and a limited time offer of up to 100% off approved insulation projects. Additionally, you can qualify for a limited time $60 rebate when you sign up for our refrigerator and freezer recycling program.

The path to a greener, more cost-effective and comfortable lifestyle can start at home with improvements made more affordable through financing and incentives. To get started, check out Eversource's free online planning tool and create a home energy savings plan of your own. You can learn about other ways to reduce your energy costs and impact on the environment by visiting the Save Money and Energy section of Eversource.com.

EE WITH ENOCH

Enoch Lenge is Eversource's energy efficiency spokesman. If you're a member of the media and would like to arrange an interview with Enoch, please contact a member of the Media Relations team.